What young ophthalmologists need to know to kickstart sustainability efforts in their clinics
If you recently attended a major ophthalmology conference, you might have heard the buzz surrounding “green ophthalmology.” But what exactly is it, why should you care and how can you embrace it in practice as a young ophthalmologist?
Green ophthalmology, or sustainability in ophthalmology, refers to practices aimed at reducing environmental impact and promoting eco-friendly approaches within ophthalmic care. In the ever-evolving landscape of health care, sustainability has emerged as critically imperative for the well-being of our patients and our practices.1,2 By embracing sustainable practices, the field of ophthalmology can not only reduce its carbon footprint, but also save costs and enhance patient satisfaction.
Here, we explore practical strategies and highlight resources to support young ophthalmologists in promoting sustainability in their clinics.
EMBRACING SUSTAINABLE INITIATIVES
Health care is the second greatest cause of landfill waste in the United States, with ophthalmology acting as a large contributor due to the sheer volume of surgical cases consuming single-use products.3 To put ophthalmology’s environmental impact into perspective, one phacoemulsification case generates the same carbon emissions as driving a car for 310 miles.4 While tackling such a massive problem may seem daunting, the journey toward sustainability begins with simple yet impactful changes within the clinic. By “greening” the office, practices can save costs while impressing patients with their commitment to environmental stewardship. Initiatives such as multi-dose bottles for topical drugs, reusable instrument device options, recycling programs for medical waste and staff education can significantly reduce emissions and waste.5
The AAO is encouraging young ophthalmologists to embrace sustainability by sponsoring “Green Grants,” research projects that support this shared mission. Lucy Mudie, MD, MPH, a current ASOPRS Fellow at Baylor College of Medicine and a recipient of one of these inaugural grants, said “sustainability in ophthalmology has focused on cataract surgery to date; however, as an oculoplastics surgeon who performs multiple procedures every day, whether in the clinic or OR, I feel there is a huge opportunity for us to contribute to sustainability efforts and reduce waste.
“I am truly grateful to receive one of the Academy’s inaugural Green Grants which is allowing us to conduct waste audits in oculoplastics, identify areas of unnecessary environmental waste and develop strategies to make our practice more sustainable.”
JOINING THE GLOBAL MOVEMENT
The push for sustainability extends beyond the clinic and operating room walls to the international and policy level. Surveys among European and American ophthalmologists reveal a shared commitment to sustainability, highlighting the global impetus to develop strategies for sustainability in ophthalmology.6 To do so, ophthalmologists worldwide are joining EyeSustain (eyesustain.org), a global coalition of eye societies and organizations collaborating to make ophthalmic care and surgery more sustainable. EyeSustain advocates for policy change that helps limit single-use products and modify OR protocols to reduce waste.
Companies Making Sustainability Strides
• Alcon collaborates with Plastic Bank, an organization combating plastic pollution by establishing recycling systems in under-developed communities. In 2022 alone, Plastic Bank removed over 649,000 kilograms of plastic waste from the environment, offsetting Alcon’s plastic usage for select Surgical and Vision Care products.7
• ZEISS introduced a new packaging approach: compact products now come in standardized, fully recyclable cardboard boxes and in product bags, utilizing 100% recycled material sourced from old PET bottles.8
• Johnson & Johnson Vision produces all ACUVUE contact lenses using 100% renewable electricity.9
• Rayner recently announced the replacement of instructions for use (IFU) paper inserts in their cataract surgery product packaging with a QR code to enable downloading of eIFU instead, resulting in the annual elimination of 35 tons of paper.10
• The Bausch + Lomb ONE by ONE Free Recycling Program provides avenues for recycling and reducing contact lens waste.
RESOURCES FOR BUILDING SUSTAINABLE PRACTICES
Numerous resources are available to support young ophthalmologists in their journey toward sustainability. Platforms like My Green Doctor (www.mygreendoctor.org) provide practice management tools and resources tailored to health-care clinics, including guidance on reducing costs and waste. Further, with myriad online educational resources ranging from dynamic virtual conferences to comprehensive board reviews and engaging podcasts, Real World Ophthalmology (RWO) empowers young ophthalmologists to expand their knowledge while embracing environmental sustainability.
Dr. Jeff Pettey, John A. Moran Eye Center’s vice-chair of clinical affairs and an associate professor at the University of Utah Department of Ophthalmology, shares “the future of Green ophthalmology and doing more with less will be determined by our young ophthalmologists.”
He continues, “The RWO movement plays a key role in shaping the future of eye health and our impact on the planet. I look forward to the innovations and leadership that will come through the young ophthalmologists. I believe our future is bright.”
CONCLUSION
Promoting sustainability in ophthalmic practice is a practical necessity in today’s health-care landscape. By embracing sustainable initiatives and joining the global movement toward sustainability in health care, young ophthalmologists can pave the way for greener, more efficient care that benefits both patients and the planet. By leading by example, we can inspire broader change within the health-care industry and contribute to a healthier future for all. OM
This column is produced in partnership with Real World Ophthalmology, an educational resource created by Dr. Lisa Nijm helping thousands of young ophthalmologists succeed in early practice. RWO covers new clinical innovations, business topics and areas of professional growth. For more, visit RealWorldOphthalmology.com and follow on social media.
REFERENCES
1. Azoulay D, Villa P, Arellano Y, Gordon MF, Moon D, Miller KA, Thompson K. Plastic & health: The hidden costs of a plastic planet. February 2019. Center for International Environmental Law. https://www.ciel.org/reports/plastic-health-the-hidden-costs-of-a-plastic-planet-february-2019/. Accessed April 12, 2024.
2. Wong YL, Wong SW, Ting DSJ, et al. Impacts of climate change on ocular health: A scoping review. The Journal of Climate Change and Health. 2024;15:100296.
3. Wu S, Cerceo E. Sustainability Initiatives in the Operating Room. Jt Comm J Qual Patient Saf. 2021;47(10):663-672.
4. Morris DS, Wright T, Somner JE, Connor A. The carbon footprint of cataract surgery. Eye (Lond). 2013;27(4):495-501.
5. Chang DF. Tackling the challenge of needless surgical waste in ophthalmology. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2023;49(4):333-338.
6. Chang DF, Thiel CL; Ophthalmic Instrument Cleaning and Sterilization Task Force. Survey of cataract surgeons’ and nurses’ attitudes toward operating room waste. J Cataract Refract Surg. 2020;46(7):933-940.
7. Alcon expands plastic bank partnership in 2023 to further support sustainability efforts. May 2, 2023. Alcon. https://www.alcon.com/media-release/alcon-expands-plastic-bank-partnership-2023-further-support-sustainability-efforts. Accessed April 14, 2024.
8. Increasing sustainability with a new packaging concept. Nov. 15, 2022. Zeiss. https://blogs.zeiss.com/sports-optics/birding/en/increasing-sustainability-with-a-new-packaging-concept/. Accessed April 14, 2024.
9. Our sustainability vision. Johnson & Johnson Vision. https://www.jjvision.com/our-sustainability-vision. Accessed April 14, 2024.
10. Rayner announces packaging updates to reduce environmental impact. March 27, 2024. Rayner. https://rayner.com/rayner-announces-packaging-updates-to-reduce-environmental-impact/. Accessed April 17, 2024.
